Taylor: On possible Marion Barber trade, a good kicker option, why Miles Austin should be franchised

Jean-Jacques Taylor chatted about the Cowboys, the Super Bowl, the Mavericks and more on Wednesday. Some highlights:

On Barber being possibly traded: “I think Barber will be back for another year. He’s been banged up each of the last two years, and the Cowboys probably aren’t ready to give up on him yet. Besides, he’s due $4 million whether he’s in Dallas or not. Jerry (Jones) hates paying people for nothing.”

On who deserves the credit for the Cowboys’ defensive improvement, Wade or the players: “Wade. Some players improved, but it started with Wade taking over every aspect of the defense. He deserves the credit.”

On Pro Bowl receiver Miles Austin’s status: “Nice kid, good player. It will be interesting to see how he performs next season. I wouldn’t mind Dallas franchising him and paying him $10 million. Then they can see how he performs with an off-season of defensive coordinators preparing to stop him, facing double coverage every week and dealing with the expectations that accompany the fantastic year he had. If he duplicates 2009 next season, then open up the vault and pay the man no questions asked. If he falters, then he’s worth signing, but at a different number. Think Josh Hamilton.”

On the Cowboys’ kicking status: “I wouldn’t mind (the Colts’ Matt Stover, from Lake Highlands High) in Dallas next season. The Cowboys will be contenders next year; they can’t enter the season with an unproven kicker. Stover doesn’t have a great leg, but he makes all of the kicks he’s supposed to make and he’s immune to pressure.”